Whether you’re new to coffee or wanting to recreate your favourite espresso-based drinks at home, we’ve compiled this handing guide explaining the different types of coffee drinks and how to brew them.
With the help of a quality coffee machine and milk frother, you can create barista-quality coffee within the comfort of your own home – perfect for those days when the weather is frightful and you want to stay cosy indoors.
Most coffee drinks are built on a single (or double shot) of espresso, but a shot of espresso can also be enjoyed on its own. A single shot of espresso is 30ml and made from water passing through ground coffee beans.
You can easily brew a single or double shot of espresso with a coffee pod machine or bean to up coffee machine, depending on your preference. The espresso is the base for most coffee drinks.
As the name suggests, a double espresso is two shots of espresso, totalling 60ml of coffee. Again, this can be enjoyed on its own or used to make a stronger coffee drink like a latte or americano. Like a single shot of espresso, a double espresso can be achieved from a coffee machine.
A ristretto is a short, more concentrated shot of espresso that is made from the same amount of coffee grounds as an espresso but with half the amount of water. Less water and a shorter extraction means less bitterness but a stronger flavour, although it does have slightly less caffeine.
An americano is a coffee drink made from pouring hot water over a single shot of espresso, diluting the espresso while keeping its high levels of caffeine. Typically, an americano is enjoyed black, but it can also be served with a small jug of cold milk on the side. You should also avoid pouring over boiling or scalding water as this can burn the espresso shot, causing a bitter taste.
Not to be confused with the americano, a long black is an espresso-based drink made by pouring an espresso shot over hot water. By pouring the espresso over the hot water, a layer of crema sits on top, creating a bolder, more intense flavour than an americano. Like the americano, a long black is traditionally served black but can be served alongside a small jug of cold milk if preferred.
This Italian coffee is easy to make at home. Simply brew and pour a shot of espresso from your coffee machine and froth some milk with a quality milk frother. Take a teaspoon and scoop out a small amount of steamed milk and dollop on top of the espresso shot.
The macchiato is perfect for those who enjoy a bold coffee taste but find a straight shot of espresso too strong. When made correctly, you should be able to see 3 clear layers: espresso, crema and frothed milk. It may also be called a short macchiato.
Similar to the macchiato but made with two shots of espresso instead of one, the long macchiato still features 3 layers: espresso, crema and a small amount of foamed milk on top. However, in certain countries like Australia, they may also top up the drink with more steamed milk, so it resembles a latte but stronger.
A popular Spanish coffee drink, the cortado is a coffee made from two shots of espresso (60ml) and equal parts slightly steamed milk (60ml). This 1:1 measurement makes for a smooth, balanced flavour, ideal for those who want the strength of a double espresso drink without the bitterness.
Made from a single shot of espresso and steamed half-and-half milk (half milk, half cream), a cafe breve has a creamier texture and richer flavour profile than a latte or cappuccino because of its higher fat content. The cafe breve is an American invention and not too common throughout other parts of the world.
A well-known Italian coffee drink, the cappuccino is a favourite amongst many. A classic cappuccino is made from a single shot of espresso, steamed milk and topped with milk foam. Many people and coffee houses finish off their cappuccinos by adding a light dusting of chocolate or cinnamon on top.
The cappuccino is traditionally a breakfast drink to be enjoyed with a pastry and before 11am, especially in its home country, Italy. After 11am, you should switch to a different espresso-based drink.
A latte – sometimes named a caffe latte – is made from a single shot of espresso, steamed milk and a layer of foamed milk which is typically used to create latte art on top. With its larger quantity of steamed milk, the latte is considered a milkier espresso drink than others.
Many coffee houses now offer flavoured lattes by adding a pump of syrup to the bottom of the cup. These syrups come in a variety of flavours including but not limited to hazelnut, gingerbread, caramel and the autumnal favourite, pumpkin spiced. Although not traditional, this is now a popular addition across the world.
The main difference between a latte and cappuccino is the milk. A cappuccino has a thick layer of foam on top and is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam with a dusting of cocoa powder, whereas a latte has a shot of espresso, more steamed milk and a thinner layer of foam for a creamier experience.
Not to be confused with a latte or cappuccino, the flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink made from two shots of espresso, steamed milk with a small microfoam top and served in a smaller cup for a more intense espresso taste. Unlike the cappuccino or latte, which both originated from Italy, the flat white was invented in either New Zealand or Australia – both claim the drink.
Because of its higher ratio of espresso to milk, this is the perfect coffee drink for someone who wants a strong coffee base but still enjoys the creaminess of the milk with less foam. The “flat” refers to the thin layer of microfoam on top, while the “white” signifies the milk mixed with espresso, making a milky coffee. For more information, read our guide on what makes a flat white so special.
A coffee and hot chocolate hybrid, the mocha gets its name from the port city of Mokha, Yemen because of their global coffee trade and chocolatey tasting coffee beans. Although the modern mocha drink is not made from these beans, it is still known as being the “chocolate-flavoured latte.”
Nowadays, a mocha is made from a single shot of espresso, steamed milk and a chocolate flavouring, be it cocoa powder, chocolate syrup or melted chocolate. Some coffee houses may offer whipped cream on top too.
This indulgent coffee drink is made from a single shot of espresso, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and chocolate flakes or cinnamon. To make a Vienna coffee you start by adding the chocolate syrup to the bottom of the cup then pour over the espresso. Add a large dollop of whipped cream and finish it off by adding a dusting of high quality cocoa powder, chocolate flakes or a sprinkling of cinnamon.
The affogato is technically not a drink but a coffee-based dessert instead. This Italian dessert is made by pouring a shot of espresso or strong coffee over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coffee slowly melts the ice cream, creating a delicious after-dinner treat.
Although an affogato is classically made from vanilla ice cream, it can be customised to your liking. We’ve created a pistachio affogato that combines freshly brewed espresso poured over pistachio ice cream.
£599.00 £479.20
4.6923
ProCook is proud to be certified as a B Corp™, joining a select but growing group of companies committed to using business as a force for good.
Learn moreProCook is honoured to be recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for Furniture and Homewares. When you purchase from us, you can rest assured that you're getting a truly exceptional product that has been carefully crafted to meet your every need.
ProCook is dedicated to supporting our long-term charity partner's mission to inspire action to reduce single use plastics. Together, we're striving to make a positive impact on the environment and create a sustainable future.
Learn more
Electricals
Coffee
Mixers and Blenders
Kettles and Toasters
Cooking
Small Appliances
Cookware & Bakeware
Pots and Pans
Cookware sets
Speciality Cookware
Baking
Roasting
Knives
Knife Sets
Single Knives
Knife Accessories
Tableware
Single Items
Dinner Sets
Serveware
Table Accessories
Kids tableware
Drinkware
Hot Drinkware
Cafetieres and Teapots
Drink Accessories
Accessories
Kitchen Utensils
Tools and Gadgets
Storage
Cleaning
Summer
Picnicware
Alfresco dining
Accessories
Offers
Clearance
Gifting
Gift Cards
